10 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before You Hire
Find the perfect agent by asking the right questions about experience, negotiation skills, and local market expertise.
Whether you want to buy or sell property, your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. Choosing a real estate agent who understands your needs can mean the difference between a successful sale and frustration. The real estate market moves fast, and having the right agent by your side matters.
According to the National Association of Realtors, most people rely on one agent to guide them through every real estate transaction. Before signing any contract, you need to ask the right questions to find someone who fits. Here are 10 questions to ask before you hire anyone.
1 Questions to Ask Before Your First Meeting
Before your first meeting with any agent, prepare specific questions that reveal their qualifications and approach. Ask a potential agent about their licensing exam history, years of experience, and whether they work full time. A newer agent might bring fresh energy, while a veteran offers negotiation skills and specialized knowledge of your local market.
Key questions should cover their familiarity with homes in your neighborhood and your price range. Check active listings on Zillow and the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to see how they market property. Understanding your agent's background helps evaluate potential agents before committing to work together.
💡 Pro Tip
Ask about their communication style during this initial conversation. Every buyer or seller has different preferences for updates and information sharing.
2 What Every Buyer and Seller Should Know
Whether you are buying or selling, understanding real estate commissions is essential knowledge. A buyer's agent earns commission when the deal closes, as does the listing agent representing the person selling. The National Association of Realtors publishes guidelines, but actual rates vary by brokerage and region.
Understanding how comparative market analysis works before making decisions is vital. This detailed market analysis examines comps for similar properties to determine optimal listing price. Your good agent should provide this analysis with clear explanations.
For Buyers
Ask about mortgage pre approval steps and what to expect during the home search process.
For Sellers
A good listing agent coordinates inspections, appraisals, and negotiation while keeping stress minimal.
3 Negotiation Skills and Final Sales Price
Your agent's negotiation skills directly impact your final sales price and the money you keep or pay. Whether trying to secure the lowest price or maximize returns, these abilities prove essential. Ask about experience handling multiple offers and competitive bidding wars in the current market.
A good agent understands market dynamics and timing. When making an offer in a competitive situation, strategy determines whether offers get accepted. Ask about their success rate and how many offers accepted they have achieved for clients.
Key Insight: Skilled negotiation can affect your final sales price by thousands of dollars. The right agent knows when to push firmly and when to compromise strategically.
4 Finding a Good Listing Agent to Sell a Home
If you want to sell a home, finding a good listing agent is crucial for achieving a successful sale at the right price. Ask about marketing strategy, including social media promotion, professional photography, virtual tours, and open house plans.
Check how many homes an agent has sold in your specific area and price range. Local market knowledge means understanding exactly what attracts buyers to homes in your neighborhood. Ask for references from recent home sale clients and call them.
5 Showings, Brokerage, and Market Competition
Understanding how showings work sets proper expectations. Ask how many homes you will likely tour before making an offer, or how many showings to expect weekly if selling. An agent may recommend different strategies based on current real estate market conditions.
The brokerage an agent works for significantly impacts capabilities and communication approach. Different brokerages offer varying fee structures, training programs, technology tools, and market reputations.
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Find My AgentMaking Your Final Decision
Choosing a real estate agent requires thorough evaluation of skills, experience, and compatibility with your needs and communication style. The right fit combines proven abilities, strong communication, and demonstrated results.
Whether this is your first home purchase or you have navigated many transactions, working with the right agent makes all the difference in your journey. Take time to ask the important questions that matter most to your situation. A good agent welcomes tough questions and provides clear, honest answers.
Beyond asking these questions, learn to recognize red flags when hiring a real estate agent. Warning signs like poor communication or pressure tactics can save you from costly mistakes. For the latest industry insights, check our 2026 real estate statistics.